Congratulations to Sr. Michelle Garlinski, SNJM, who was elected May 11, 2020 to the Board of the National Association of Vocation and Formation Directors (NAVFD).

Sr. Michelle, who made first profession on January 3, 2018, is the newest member of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in Manitoba. She has experience and education in Youth Ministry, Sociology and Theology. For 28 years she has ministered in parishes and schools in Calgary and Winnipeg providing faith education to young people and adults. Sr. Michelle is currently the Director of the Mission and Charism Office at St. Mary’s Academy, Winnipeg, Manitoba. With the support of her community and mentors, she initiated the retreats for Religious 55 and Under in Canada. These have become annual events since 2017.

Click here to read more about NAVFD.

On March 22nd, a group of retired nurses responded to the critical shortage of gowns and masks for front line workers by recruiting volunteer seamstresses. One of the retired nurses, associate Lise Hamelin, asked Sr. Marguerite Mulaire if she would collect sheets from Residence Despins. Sr. Marylyn Gibney spread the word by approaching other Holy Names Sisters, the Associates, and past and present teachers from St. Mary’s Academy. They were asked to donate or to get involved in making gowns and masks. People swung into action, happy to be of service. Along with the nurses, the volunteer seamstresses created more than 500 gowns, 1000 masks, and 100 caps for two doctors’ offices, the Birth Centre, St. Amant, and Doctors Manitoba.

Thank you to associates Lise Hamelin, Mary Morton, and Joy Beauchamp. Thank you teachers Deb May, Bernadine Letkeman, Saratha Joseph, and Linda Dart.

Twenty-One Neighbours currently live at the House of Peace, a residence for newcomer women located in the heart of Winnipeg. Recently Sister Lesley Sacouman, Executive Director, described how the Neighbours were responding to the pandemic crisis:

“We are doing our best to stay healthy by keeping social distance and exercising daily. Seven Neighbours still work in the community as cashiers, cleaners and health care workers. We are proud of them.  Since March 18th, at the suggestion of one of the Neighbours, those who wish gather to pray every evening from 8:30 to 9:00 in St. Francis Chapel. Neighbours are Hindu, Muslim, Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic. We pray in silence, united with all peoples throughout the world.  At sunset, around 9:15, we sit down to eat with our Muslim Neighbours who are faithfully observing Ramadan by fasting from food and water all day. A shining star in our home is Gradine, our three-week old baby.  She and Furaha, her mom, lift us up and brighten our lives. We have so much for which to be thankful.”

Click here to read more about House of Peace.

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. (ps. 126: 3)

On May 1, 2019, St. Mary’s Academy birthday celebrations began with a day-long birthday party for students and staff. Honoured guests included Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, Grey Nuns, Board members and special friends of the Academy. The day started with Mass in Alumnae Hall presided over by Archbishop Albert LeGatt, current Archbishop of St. Boniface. It was fitting that he be invited to preside because when the school opened on May 1, 1869, the site was then within the boundary of the Archdiocese of St. Boniface. After Mass and a thrilling fly over by an armed forces Dash 8, a delicious community lunch with pizza, chips and birthday cake was shared by all in attendance followed by an afternoon of fun activities.

 

At the Marian Awards on May 11, 2019 the school recognized its founders, The Sisters of Charity of Montreal, (known commonly as the ‘Grey Nuns’). On May 1, 1869, Sisters Ste Thérèse and Mary Jane McDougall, opened “Maison Ste Marie” (St. Mary’s Academy). This was the first Catholic school to serve the English-speaking Catholics on the west side of the Red River. The Grey Nuns operated Maison Ste Marie until 1874 when the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary assumed responsibility for the school. The Sisters of the Holy Names joined the Academy community in honouring the Grey Nuns for their faith, service and leadership in establishing St. Mary’s Academy.

The 150th Birthday Community Picnic took place on St. Mary’s Academy’s grounds at the end of August. Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary were in attendance along with over 400 alumnae, students, parents, current and former faculty and staff and friends. The program included the launch of the Legacy Rose Garden, a tribute to the 150-year legacy of learning, faith, service and leadership that has taken place at St. Mary’s Academy. This garden honours the contributions of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, faculty, staff, students, parents, alumnae and friends.

 

On September 27, 2019, St. Mary’s Academy hosted a 150th Birthday Gala in honour of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Twenty-five Manitoba Holy Names Sisters and four out-of- Province Sisters were in attendance. Over 700 guests from near and far were in attendance including parents, students, alumnae, current and former parents, staff and board members as well as many friends of SMA.

SMA President Connie Yunyk, an alumna herself and the mother of an alumna, as well as being an associate of the Holy Names, enthusiastically welcomed everyone. Sister Kathleen Ross brought greetings on behalf of the Congregational Leadership Team.

A special moment in the program was the presentation made to the Sisters of the Holy Names by the Parents’ Guild. Current President Ramona Thomson, and former President, Pattie Moore (Delabbio ’69) unveiled a picture of the stained-glass mosaic that was installed outside of SMA’s Alumnae Hall doors. The inscription beside the mosaic reads, in part, In gratitude to the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary and all SMA educators and staff for the 150 years dedicated to the education of our daughters in spirit, mind and body. Click here to read more…

Homecoming Weekend continued on Saturday, September 28, 2019. Sisters who were former SMA students and teachers participated in the brunch for classes celebrating reunion years followed by an afternoon open house and tours for all alumnae.

Homecoming Mass, in this 150th anniversary year, was celebrated at St. Boniface Cathedral with Archbishop Albert LeGatt presiding. Sister Michelle Garlinski, Director of Mission and Charism welcomed everyone. The music ministry was led by SMA’s 150th Community Choir, directed by associate Mary Morton (Evans ’78). The choir included former SMA music teacher Sister Jeannine Vermette and alumna Sister Josephine Chudzik. Connie Yunyk, Associate and Academy President, had the last word, thanking celebrants, choir and all participants for the beautiful liturgy.

The annual Mother Marie-Rose Week at St. Mary’s Academy incorporated a unique twist this year as part of its 150th birthday celebration. SMA hosted a Come and See for six SNJM Schools including Albany, NY, Alhambra, CA, Oakland, CA, Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, and Tampa, FL. The visitors arrived in time to join the Manitoba SNJM family on Sunday, October 6, 2019 for the annual celebration of the Feast of Blessed Marie Rose Durocher and renewal of Associate commitment. Sisters and Associates were delighted to meet the visitors.

St. Mary’s Academy closed its 150th anniversary year on December 8, 2019, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with Mass and High Tea. Mass was celebrated in Alumnae Hall with Archbishop Albert LeGatt presiding. A special moment took place at the conclusion of Mass when Sr. Lorraine St-Hilaire, SNJM, and Sr. Susan Wikeem ’63, SNJM, presented to Connie Yunyk, SMA President and SNJM Associate, an Apostolic Blessing upon the Academy from the Holy Father Pope Francis.

The Holy Father Pope Francis graciously bestows the Apostolic Blessing upon Teachers, Students and Staff of St. Mary’s Academy in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as they celebrate on May 1, 2019 their 150th Anniversary of founding.

The Holy Father prays that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Academy may be a place of encounter with the person and message of Jesus Christ and thereby assist the young women who pass through its doors to go forward and make a most valuable contribution to the life of the Church and the wellbeing of society, especially the least.

 

Click here to view all pictures from the St. Mary’s Academy 150th Celebrations.

 

On Thursday evening, April 11, 2019, the Catholic Foundation of Manitoba recognized Sister Carol Peloquin for her work as chaplain in the penitentiary system for seven years followed by many years providing outreach to ex‐offenders through the Next Step Peer Support Program.

Sr. Carol was instrumental in collaborating with the Jesuit Community to establish Future Hope which operates three connected programs: Next Step, Quixote House residence for recently release offenders, and Massie Apartments providing an affordable independent living opportunity.

Sr. Carol has more then once shared, that in no matter what ministry she was engaged in, she always looked for the potential in each person she journeyed with and fostered that potential into life!

Congratulations Sr. Carol!

Fifteen years ago, Sister Lesley Sacouman and Sister Vera Hoelscher opened the front doors of the Holy Names House of Peace for the first time. They were not sure who would enter, but over the years, many women came from all over the world. These women enriched the House of Peace with their cultures and their varied experiences and religious expressions. They helped to make the House of Peace “an intercultural, life‐affirming refuge in the heart of Winnipeg where all are welcome.”

On March 26, 2019, Associate Maria Battaglia, Development Coordinator for the House of Peace, warmly welcomed twenty Sisters of the Holy Names to a celebratory anniversary lunch. She thanked the community for its contribution toward making the House of Peace a home for women in transition.

Sister Lorraine St-Hilaire, speaking on behalf of the Sisters, expressed our pride in the House of Peace and our gratitude to Sister Lesley Sacouman and to all those who have developed this meaningful ministry in the heart of our city.

On Sunday, March 3, 2019 the Italian Community honoured Associate Tonina Fiorentino with the Donna dell’anno Award (Woman of the Year) presented at the International Women’s Day Celebration held at the Caboto Centre. Tonina was chosen for her many contributions in her Italian community, and the community at large. She is very proud to be born in Italy, immigrating to Canada in 1960 with her family at the age of the 2 1⁄2 years. Her Italian culture remains dear to her heart.

Tonina is a talented singer. At the young age of eleven she started singing at Folklorama and at church. She sang with the Emmaus group of St John Brébeuf parish for 12 years and was privileged to record with them on two of their soundtracks. She frequently sings at weddings and funerals especially at Holy Rosary Parish where she is Pastoral Associate. Along with her husband, Tonina acts in the Italian Theatre group, Fratellanza Amatese, where she has had numerous roles.

Recently Tonina used her musical talent to reach out to the needy in the city. She recorded a CD directing proceeds of sales to Siloam Mission, and three inner city breakfast programs. A second CD raised funds for the Holy Names House of Peace.

In Tonina’s words: “I always say that God gave me a gift and so this gift will be shared as long as I can share it…”

Congratulations Tonina!

Balmoral residence opened on March 1, 2019.  The 104 years old house is situated on Balmoral Street close to downtown Winnipeg. The house is rented and the owners are our next door neighbours.

The goal of this community is to offer single women an opportunity to be part of a group where members dialogue with each other and nourish each other’s courage, dignity, mutuality and equality.  We hope to build a community of women who want to live out significant and liberating practices.  We will reach this goal according to how willing we are to give the best of ourselves and, in the meantime, learn how to accept the best of others.  We hope to create a peaceful and revitalizing living place.  We will open our doors to people in our midst who would like to join us for a special event or for a prayer time.

The words of Pope Francis encourage us: “Do not be afraid to listen to the Spirit suggesting an audacious choice, do not procrastinate when your conscience asks you to dare follow Christ.”

Click here to read testimonials from Balmoral residents.

 

The House the Sisters Built is a video production of Salt and Light Media, the Catholic TV channel available in Canada. The video aired on January 9, 2019 as part of the Catholic Focus series. The episode highlights the history of St. Mary’s Academy, focusing on the positive impact the school has had on its alumnae, the Church and Catholic education in Manitoba for the past 150 years.

Sr. Mary Gorman, Sr. Susan Wikeem and Connie Yunyk, Associate and current President, reminisced about their experiences as students and administrators. Connie also spoke about the school’s strategic plan and guiding principles for planning during the next few years. Sr. Michelle Garlinski, Director of Charism and Mission, spoke of the challenge of finding new ways to meet the needs of students while remaining faithful to the charism and legacy of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.

All four spoke with pride of the positive contributions that St. Mary’s Academy continues to make, well beyond the local school community, through its students and staff.

to watch the video.

On December 22, 2018, the Tardeen family joined the Refugee Committee members for a Christmas Party at the Sisters’ home at Despins Residence. The chicken and fries disappeared rapidly as everyone gathered around the table.

The family especially loved the way Santa visited them after the meal. They had questions about who Santa really was. Did he come through the chimney? What if there was no chimney? They understood that Santa was a symbol of the gifts each one received. The faces of the family members were radiant as they unwrapped their gifts.

The joy was followed by some formal and touching moments as the children expressed their gratitude to the Sisters and Associates.